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Open Poetry #10
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Toddles
Member
since 2000-07-24
Posts 396
New Orleans, Louisiana

0 posted 2000-10-25 11:11 PM



Dedicated to Julia Butterfly Hill

Once Upon a Time (Today)


Children of the fragile forest gather ‘round

Where birdsong seems to be the loudest sound

Where echoing laughter and untamed joys

Are twice as loud as any chainsaw noise


A place called Summer, green as you could please

A place where we all proudly hug the trees

Hug them for the walnuts and sweet apples

For the shade above small country chapels

For giving squirrel and crow a place to live

For the priceless gift of oxygen they give

Bring Peace, Sing Peace, Wear Peace, Share Peace

In distant jungle or neighboring county

Show gratitude for Mother Nature’s bounty

Follow your feet across a woodland floor

Beneath the tall and ancient sycamore

Under redwood, under tall blue pine

Come with me and form an endless line

Join the boy whose name is simply ME

Take your turn and hug a mighty tree

Children this is how the world can be

Making Earth plan A and not plan B


Sing Truth, Bring Truth, Share Truth, Wear Truth

A wish we cast upon an August breeze

A dream to cross the seven sacred seas

Release it now, just like a big balloon

A prayer to reach the mountains of the moon


To citizens of Earth alas we say…

Go find yourself a tree to hug today


Hug them for the tree-houses of childhood

For the shaded paths of distant wildwood

Hug trees with pride, inside you WILL flourish

Hug trees and your own soul you WILL nourish

Wear Love, Share Love, Sing Love, Bring Love


Children of the great rainforest gather ‘round

Where tree frogs seem to be the loudest sound

Join the boy whose name is simply ME

Shamelessly step forth and hug a tree

Children this is how the world can be

Making Earth plan A and not plan B

Wear Change, Share Change, Sing Change, Bring Change

The End

(Or just The Beginning)


© Copyright 2000 Todd-Michael Phillips - All Rights Reserved
Ron K. Fox
Senior Member
since 2000-10-24
Posts 925

1 posted 2000-10-25 11:22 PM


that is such a cool message, Toddles. wish many would heed it. Ron
Toddles
Member
since 2000-07-24
Posts 396
New Orleans, Louisiana
2 posted 2000-10-26 12:37 PM


Thanks Ron!

Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
3 posted 2000-10-26 01:21 PM


What a wonderful message to bring to light what so many take for granted.  Protect the innocense of beauty before it is too late.  Excellent write.
Toddles
Member
since 2000-07-24
Posts 396
New Orleans, Louisiana
4 posted 2000-10-26 08:15 PM


Mark, I feel humbled by your words Sir!

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...
5 posted 2000-10-26 08:19 PM



Toddles-
   WOW...such an important message here,
   and so beautifully expressed.  
   awesome job.  

   -vicky




"...until you have read the verse on his
heart, you have not truely met the poet."
-vlraynes



Toddles
Member
since 2000-07-24
Posts 396
New Orleans, Louisiana
6 posted 2000-10-26 09:00 PM


Vicki, thanks-a-million.

I think there are far worse lessons we have taught children & far worse things you can be than a defender of the environment! Respect for the sacredness of Mother Nature should be fundamental! Thanks again !!!


[This message has been edited by Toddles (edited 10-26-2000).]

Wilfred Yeats
Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704
Wilmington, Delaware
7 posted 2000-10-27 09:53 AM


Ironically - It was just this morning that I picked up my latest issue of Sierra's magazine and read every word of the article on 'tree huggers' some of whom have been "nesting" at the top of ancient Douglas firs for nearly 4 years now. God bless them and God bless you for reminding us all in such a beautiful way just what it is God gave us and what they are defending
Toddles
Member
since 2000-07-24
Posts 396
New Orleans, Louisiana
8 posted 2000-10-27 07:53 PM


Wow, thanks Wilfred! (A Kindred)

Jamie
Member Elite
since 2000-06-26
Posts 3168
Blue Heaven
9 posted 2000-10-27 08:21 PM


If one were to hug the trees above the 6,000' level in NC you would be hugging leafless poles,,, what the acid rain did not get other  other poisons did... very thoughtful Toddles



Jamie

Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito. - Virgil.
"Yield thou not to adversity, but press on the more bravely".



Toddles
Member
since 2000-07-24
Posts 396
New Orleans, Louisiana
10 posted 2000-10-28 12:28 PM


Prometheus, I hear ya, sad but true, thanx for the post!


"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind!"...Dr. Seuss

N2Wishin
Junior Member
since 2000-07-27
Posts 38

11 posted 2000-10-28 04:51 PM


Nice one!
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